2DPE™ Graphene-Enhanced Packaging Material
2DPE™ A Graphene Enhanced Polythene Packaging Material
Advanced packaging performance for a new generation of packaging challenges
2DPE™ is Duo's graphene-enhanced polyethylene packaging material, developed in partnership with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), University of Manchester.
2DPE has been developed for commercial packaging applications where businesses are being asked to do more with less: increase recycled content, reduce material consumption and lower environmental impact whilst maintaining strength, consistency and operational performance. Initial applications include Auto-Bagging Film and Mailing Bags, with additional flexible packaging applications currently in development.
What is 2DPE™?
Developed with
World-Leading Graphene Expertise
2DPE™ Duo's graphene-enhanced packaging material was developed in partnership with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), University of Manchester.
Duo partnered with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), University of Manchester, to explore how graphene could help address some of the biggest challenges facing modern packaging.
The collaboration was driven by a shared ambition to address material reduction, recycled content and operational performance without compromise.
Designed specifically for flexible packaging applications, 2DPE™ combines advanced materials science with practical packaging expertise to support:
- Increased recycled content
- Reduced material consumption
- Improved environmental outcomes
- Improved tensile strength and tear resistance
Why Graphene?
Graphene, the strongest man-made
material on Earth.
Graphene is a single atomic layer of carbon first isolated from graphite at The University of Manchester in 2004. Its unique properties offer 4 key advantage when utilised in flexible packaging applications:
Four key advantages in flexible packaging
-
01
Reinforces film strength
Enables reduction of plastic use per packaging item
-
02
Increase recycled content without performance risk
Improves recycled material performance enabling higher percentage use in mailing bag and automation film applications
-
03
Lower energy consumption across manufacturing and packing operations
Graphene's thermal conductivity properties support more efficient heat-sealing, creating opportunities to reduce energy consumption within automated packing environments as well as during the manufacturing process
-
04
No impact on recyclability
Packaging products containing 2DPE™ are recyclable within existing flexible LDPE recycling streams. Research indicates that graphene can also help support the performance and quality of recycled polymers, helping keep valuable materials in use for longer.
Product — Automated fulfilment
2DPE™ Auto-Bagging Film
For businesses relying on auto-bagging machines, packaging performance plays a critical role in operational efficiency.
Sealing performance, machine efficiency and packaging reliability all influence productivity, throughput and consistency.
2DPE™ Auto-Bagging Film has been developed to support:
- Enhanced heat-sealing performance
- Reduced energy consumption
- Consistent operational performance
- Increased recycled content film
- Downgauging opportunities
Helping fulfilment operations increase recycled content, explore downgauging opportunities and reduce energy consumption whilst maintaining the heat-sealing performance and operational consistency their packing lines depend upon every day.
Product — Retail & Ecommerce
2DPE™ Mailing Bags
For retailers and ecommerce brands, packaging plays an important role in both sustainability performance and customer experience.
Product protection, packaging quality and brand perception remain critical as businesses work to increase recycled content, reduce material consumption and manage EPR costs.
2DPE™ Mailing Bags have been developed to support:
- Reduced material consumption
- Increased recycled content
- Consistent packaging performance
- Maintained customer experience
Helping retail operations increase recycled content, explore downgauging opportunities and reduce energy consumption whilst maintaining the heat-sealing performance and operational consistency their packing lines depend upon every day.
Customer results — QVC autobagging film
“We increased recycled content
from 45% to 60% and downgauged to 28mu
with no change to our packing lines.”
The challenge: Reduce plastic use per package, increase recycled content without impacting on the automation line performance. Keep our production operatives happy. The solution: 2DPE™ Auto-Bagging Film
- 45→60% increased recycled content
- −15°C sealing temperature
- 50 tonnes material reduction (based on 2024 figures)
- 147,966 tCO₂e carbon reduction (based on virgin material saving, Gov UK GHG conversion factors 2024)
Indicative — customer quote and final figures to be confirmed.
Commercial applications
2DPE™ is currently applied with:
Ready to review your packaging?
Whether you’re looking to increase recycled content, reduce material consumption or prepare for future packaging requirements, our team can help identify opportunities within your existing packaging specification. Speak to our innovation team.